The Taliban are the best example of tribal nationalism and ethnic fanaticism.
Author: Dr. Farid Yunus, Professor of Middle Eastern Cultural Anthropology and Islamic Philosophy, Founder and Navigator of Islamic Democracy (California, USA), Member of the Advisory Board of “Sangar”
One of the accusations made by Taliban supporters against me is that I call the Taliban “savages,” although they are Muslims.
But a Muslim can be a thief. A Muslim can be a traitor. A Muslim can be a tribal fanatic — as they are. A Muslim can be a drunkard. A Muslim can be a misogynist, as they are. And a Muslim can be wild.
From a linguistic point of view, the word wild means uncivilized.
If a person hates women, they are uncivilized, because misogyny is not a sign of civilization. God created man and woman from one soul. From the Qur’anic perspective, a human being is simply a human being — without distinction.
If someone is against freedom of speech and expression, they are uncivilized, because the Qur’an says: “He taught man speech.” Anyone who deprives people of freedom of expression is not civilized.
If someone opposes education for women, they are a savage, because the Qur’an says: “My Lord, increase me in knowledge” — and this verse applies to both women and men.
If someone forces a girl into marriage, they are a savage, for the Prophet (peace be upon him) said that no one has the right to marry off a widow or a virgin without her consent.
If someone is against women working, they are a savage, for the Qur’an says: “I do not let the deeds of any of you go to waste, whether male or female” (Surah Al Imran).
If someone is against people traveling, they are uncivilized, for the Qur’an says: “Travel through the earth.”
If someone is against music and the arts, they are uncivilized, for music and fine arts are not only not forbidden but are beneficial for the spiritual and intellectual development of human beings — especially since the Prophet himself encouraged music.
If you are hostile toward Shia or Sunni Muslims, you are uncivilized, because religious sects are man-made. Everyone has the right to follow any faith, or, like me, have none at all. If you do not respect other beliefs or consider yours superior, you are not civilized.
Forgive me, but even if you are a professor, if people call you a scholar or you carry titles, or if you are the son or daughter of a famous person — if you have even one of the qualities mentioned above, you are not civilized and do not live in the spirit of the 21st century. You must reform yourself if you claim to live in this age.
Fanaticism and discrimination in today’s world are spiritual and psychological diseases. We live in the 21st century. Tolerance and acceptance are the foundations of civilization, unlike savagery and uncivilized behavior.
Any act that goes against the spirit of civilization — if you commit it consciously or unconsciously — makes you, unfortunately, a savage, that is, an uncivilized person. Savagery is the antithesis of civilization.
Some people are not ignorant in the religious sense — they know God — but they are socially ignorant, and therefore can be uncivilized, that is, savage. Those who hold on to ethnic fanaticism are especially savage, because ethnic fanaticism is not only uncivilized but also a mental illness. Ethnic fanaticism never leads to progress; it is trapped within traditions and customs. These people bring misfortune both to themselves and to those around them.
The Taliban are the clearest example of ethnic fanaticism and tribal isolation. Their pride lies in their ethnicity, their turbans, and their disheveled garments — and they believe they are the best “Afghans.”
Study what contradicts civilization and avoid it — otherwise, spiritual, social, political, and intellectual progress will be impossible.
